Personal Spiritual Responsibility in the Face of Hopelessness

Mother Theresa, when questioned as to why she refused to support or attend an anti-war rally, replied something to the effect of “I would be happy to attend and support a peace rally.”

It seems only natural, when overwhelmed by an ever increasing list of seemingly hopeless regional and global threats, many of which threaten human mass extinction, to deny the very existence of their reality. These doomsday scenarios are too numerous and awful to contemplate. My common inner dialogue goes something like ...

“If there is nothing I can do about it—why let it occupy my attention, my consciousness?" Or … “If life is going to end, and there is nothing I can do to change the inevitability, then why not just ignore the probabilities and find whatever happiness I can while I still have a life.”

My inner dialogues and resulting choices seem logical. Then, why don’t I feel at peace with my decision to ignore the endless assortment of cataclysmic scenarios (of which I can do nothing about to alter the course of inevitable destiny) and go about my life, carelessly skipping down the road of life? Perhaps, after a little introspection, I discover that my unease may be due to false self conclusions … Is there really nothing I can do?

My entire life has been a spiritual quest. Over many years of painful self discovery, I have formed a set of beliefs. I believe that I do have control over my own destiny and that of the world around me and that control begins with my personal attitude, perspective and expectations of the events surrounding me. I believe that whatever it is that I focus on, with my mind, heart and spirit—will manifest into reality. I believe in the Law of Attraction. I believe that one person can make a difference, that one candle can ignite millions, if the flame contains truth. I believe in the Power of One and the Ripple Effect of Intention. I believe that we are all powerful—that we have simply lost touch with our strengths and abilities to alter the world that we are a part of … feeling overwhelmed and dis-empowered with the complexity and seriousness of the threats. I have personally experienced this effect in my life. I have forgotten what I had learned.

10 years ago, plagued with the very same emotions, suffering from depression and disillusionment birthed from years of self seeking, I felt overwhelmed and apathetic as to my role in this world. I had an attitude of “Why bother, the problems are too numerous and too big to do anything about. I care, but there is nothing I can do.” These feelings of helplessness and hopelessness as well as the crushing emptiness of life’s purpose and meaning led me to some drastic decisions. I had to do something, anything … I needed to try, again.

I chose to embark on a three year sabbatical, a spiritual quest, a walk across America, in hopes of finding meaning and purpose for my life. I needed to prove, to myself, that I, little insignificant me, could still make a difference in my world. So many deserving causes … I chose pediatric Aids. Through a series of events, these children captured my heart.

Over the next three years, I devoted myself to concerns outside of myself, to see, if I could make a difference. I did, in the lives of many. What started with one small flame of intention grew into a bonfire of positive effect for thousands of people. More importantly, I re-discovered my personal, spiritual power. I could not change the world—but I could change myself. I could do what I could do and if others chose to light their wicks from my flame—so be it. If not, I could feel the immense soul satisfaction of feeling a part of my world. This morning, I realized that I had forgotten what I had learned.

What had I learned over three years and 5200 miles of walking across this country? I learned of the Power of One. I had learned of the ripple effect. I had learned of my personal spiritual power … the power of truth. I had forgotten. I am now remembering.

Now, as I look around my world, I have no fear. I have realized, thank God, that I am NOT powerless, that I can effect the world around me. How? I don’t need to walk across the country to prove anything to myself or crusade in the name of countless injustices. I can, however, use what I have, this morning … a laptop computer, a blog and my life’s lessons and share them honestly and openly. This is my flame. I have the power to light my candle. I will do my part as I Am a part of my world, starting with the immense power of my intentions.

I learned of the immense transforming power of one pebble, one pointed intention, if resonating with sincerity, can cause ripples of movement that can literally change the world. I had forgotten. Now, I remember. I remember Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and countless others that acted on the courage of their convictions to follow their hearts and do what they could do. I remember Mother Theresa’s lesson that shows me that I Can focus my personal attention and efforts toward the desired outcome and not focus on the problem. I realize that whatever I resist, persists.

This is my flame, my daily positive affirmations and peaceful meditations which lead to personal decisions, choices and often physical actions, in doing my part. This is my contribution, for today.